30 minute read
Lodge Section
from Vestnik 2021.03.01
by SPJST
SPJST Lodge Section
The deadline for all Věstník items is 5 p.m. on the first and third Mondays of each month. Send Questions? Call 800-727-7578 / / / SPJST Věstník Editor Melanie Zavodny P.O. Box 100 Temple, Texas 76503 Fax: 254-773-8087
Lodge 9, Snook to sponsor Little League teams
The Wednesday, February 3, 2021, meeting of SPJST Lodge 9, Snook was called to order by President Donnie Hejl at 7:03 p.m. President Hejl led us in the Pledge of Allegiance. A moment of silence was observed for Emily Hejl and Raymond Klechka. Roll of officers was called. Minutes from the January meeting were approved as presented. Hall manager, treasurer, state, and fraternal reports were given.
In the youth club, they discussed upcoming events and camp.
We had several Zoom participants at our meeting.
We have two new applicants – Travis Becker and William Orsak.
We passed motions to sponsor Little League baseball and softball teams.
We will have the hall heaters serviced.
February birthday includes James Schoeneman on the 5th.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:33 p.m.
Next Meeting—March 3
The next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, March 3 at 7 p.m. To join the Zoom meeting:
https://tamu.zoom.us/j/95317632082?pw d=QjBoVWVzZm0wdUc1dGlyeGdoZFlTZz09 Meeting ID: 953 1763 2082 Passcode: SPJST (ALL CAPS)
One tap mobile: +13462487799,,95317632082#,,,,,,0#,,6 30623# US (Houston)
Dial by your location +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston) 877 853 5247 US Toll-free 888 788 0099 US Toll-free
Meeting ID: 953 1763 2082 Passcode: 630623
Fraternally, Hannah Kovar, Reporter —SPJST—
Lodge 13, Dime Box to vote on selling hall at April 8 meeting
Dear Members,
All members, please know that you are invited to and encouraged to attend an important meeting on Thursday, April 8, 2021, at 7 p.m. at the lodge hall in Dime Box. The purpose of this meeting will be to consider and vote on a motion to sell the land, building, and its contents.
Thank you for your attention, and please mark this date on your calendar and plan to attend the meeting. If you have any questions, please give me a call at 979-540-8531 or Ricky Ford at 979884-1451. Fraternally, Floyd Kostelka —SPJST— Lodge 24, Cyclone announces longtime members
Lodge 24, Cyclone met at Flag Hall on Monday, February 8, 2021, amid tractors applying fertilizer for the upcoming crops. President Daniel Wilde called the meeting to order at 7:04 p.m. President Wilde led the Pledge of Allegiance and observed a moment of silent prayer for the deceased members.
Brenda Maddux read the minutes of the January meeting, and Linda Wilde gave the treasurer’s report. Brenda Maddux gave the hall and bar reports. Shirley Hoelscher gave the fraternal report. The state tournaments will not be held at the Home Office for now. The Home Office has set a date in April to get all paperwork turned in, or the lodge will risk losing its incentive funds.
We have Justin Everett, Charles Schneider, and Margaret and Wilbert Mikeska on the sick list. We sadly lost Antonie Malcik who was this writer’s partner as we marched in for the eighth grade graduation from Rogers School. She was from the Seaton Common School District, and the writer was from Cyclone Common School District.
Longtime Members
Fifty-year members are Kenneth R. Andel, Nancy Lynn Aulbaugh, Sharon Kay Barnes, Joan Angela Benner, Ouida Black, Calvin Ray Coker, Patrick H. Everett, Patti Lynne Everett, Kathy J. Husak, Michael Ray Jones, Kimberly Louise Malcik, Joseph Marek, III, Kenneth J. Martinec, James H. Marwitz, Bart James Martinec, Carrie A. Schiller, Debbie Ann Seifts, James J. Slovacek, Susan C. Tyroch, Thomas W. Valenta, Gerald T. Yezak, and Rebecca A. Zabcik.
Seventy-five year members are Johnnie Lee Martinec, Linhart Ray Pechal, and James David Stepan.
SPJST WELCOMES NEW SALES AGENT LINDA FIGUEROA
SPJST welcomes Linda Figueroa, as a sales agent. She was born in New Mexico, but she was raised in Chihuahua, Mexico. She is fluent in both English and Spanish.
Linda is married with three children. She has had her life and health license since 2015. Linda has experience with several life companies and Medicare as well. “I love my job and try to do it with compassion,” she says. “I do the best I can to give the clients the best service they deserve.”
Linda says she is assigned to Lodge 133, San Antonio, “I am ready and willing and would love to help Lodge 202, Jourdanton; Lodge 107, Floresville; and Lodge 185, New Braunfels.”
Please contact Linda to assist you with your life insurance needs. Best wishes to Linda in her career with SPJST! LINDA FIGUEROA 210-815-7868 l.rod2018@icloud.com
Five leaks were fixed on the hall which is fairly good on a 50-year-old building. The columns at the road were knocked down during the snow in January and were put back up at a small cost. Derek Campbell, Steve Bruggman, Roy Malcik, and Daniel Wilde have been working to put up the new wainscoting and decorate the entrance on Sundays. They work from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The lodge is in their debt.
Linda Wilde has a birthday on February 17. For the Lodge, Bobby Hoelscher, Reporter —SPJST—
Lodge Karel Jonáš No. 28, East Bernard to meet March 14 via phone conference
SPJST Lodge Karel Jonáš No. 28, East Bernard members intended to meet in person on Sunday, March 14, 2021; however, due to Covid-19 restrictions, the meeting location is closed and not available. The lodge will instead meet through telephone conference. For meeting information or questions, please call Helen Kelner 832-490-0664.
Please stay safe and well. Fraternally, Helen Kelner Secretary-Reporter
Editor’s Note: Member Linda Bratina’s name was incorrectly stated in the February 8 Vestnik. Thanks to Sister Bratina for preparing a delicious pumpkin pie for the December lodge meeting. The Vestnik regrets the error. —SPJST—
Fraternalism Among Friends
Lodge 29, Taylor member Terry Skrhak, not pictured, harvested a deer so Jesse Pospisil, left, and Adolph Grieger, both of Lodge 29, helped Terry make sausage. The gentlemen also made sausage for Adolph and for another friend, Duane Danek, who has helped with fish fries at the lodge hall. Adolph, Jesse, and Frankie Pustejovsky, not pictured, also made sausage for Lodge 29. “We are always helping each other out,” they all remarked. “We have a great friendship!”
SPJST Lodge 29, Taylor officers and new property committee members for 2021 were installed by District Two Director Jesse Pospisil, not pictured, at the meeting held February 10, 2021. Pictured are, front, President Ronnie Rieger. BACK: Property Committee Member Scott Kaderka, Vice President/Fraternal Activities Coordinator Sharon Kaderka, Secretary/Reporter Linda Pospisil, Treasurer Tammy Cannon, and Property Committee Member Mikey Girod. Lodge 29, Taylor: hall is open on Wednesdays through Sundays
On Wednesday, February 10, 2021, President Ronnie Rieger called the Lodge 29, Taylor meeting to order with the Pledge of Allegiance. He asked for a moment of silence for our deceased members and military serving our country. The January minutes were read.
Tammy gave the treasurer’s report. Sharon Kaderka read a thank you letter from Shepherd’s Heart Pantry for the donation from Lodge 29. She also informed us of the donation to Lodge 29 from Frankie and Judy Limmer in memory of Irene Hamann.
Jesse Pospisil reported the Lions Club chili supper was a success. The City of Taylor sent us a letter ordering us to remove our sweepstakes machines. We had a new security system installed. The refrigerator in the kitchen is not working so he will have someone check it out. Jesse also informed the members that it will be the 125th anniversary of SPJST in 2022. There was a discussion on what possible celebration Lodge 29 could have to honor this achievement.
Ronnie read the names of our 50- and 75-year members. They will be receiving their pins in the mail. Ronnie also asked the members to help stop the rumor that our hall is closing down. The Taylor SPJST Hall is open from Wednesdays through Sundays from 3 to 10 p.m. - as always.
District Two Director Jesse Pospisil installed the 2021 officers and two property committee members.
Members celebrating birthdays in February include Lyn Rieger, Bobby Eulenfeld, Albin Machu, Joseph Kaderka, Layla Miller, Charles Campbell, Jessica Konikowski, Emily Sumner, Velma Marx, Julia Meiller, and Eva Lyn Langley. Adolph and Wanda Grieger will celebrate their wedding anniversary this month.
Lyn Rieger donated door prizes. Next month, Adolph Grieger volunteered to bring them.
The meeting was adjourned.
Next Meeting—March 10
The next meeting will be Wednesday, March 10 at 6:30 p.m. Fraternally submitted, Linda Pospisil Secretary-Reporter —SPJST—
Calling All Members of Lodge 40, El Campo-Hillje. LET’S GET TOGETHER!
Sunday March 14 1 p.m.
SPJST Lodge 40
El Campo-Hillje Hall
30420 Loop 524 US Hwy 59 Hillje, Texas
Greetings to our members! We hope that you are doing well!
The year ahead brings new challenges and opportunities for SPJST Lodge 40, El Campo-Hillje. As a first step in this exciting process, you are cordially invited to attend and participate in a strategic planning meeting of SPJST Lodge 40, El Campo-Hillje on Sunday, March 14, 2021, at 1 p.m. at the lodge hall, located at 30420 Loop 524 US Highway 59 in Hillje.
It doesn’t matter if you haven’t been to a lodge meeting for years – or if ever. You are a valued member of SPJST and of this lodge, and that’s what counts. It would be our honor to have you in attendance. We’ll have a nice svačina of pastries and dessert items for you to enjoy while we address the business at hand. All of the standard social distancing guidelines, including face masks, still apply.
SPJST Supreme Lodge President Brian Vanicek will lead us in a discussion about our lodge and where its been, where it stands, and where we want to be next year and the year after that. Topics that don’t typically come up in regular lodge meetings will be addressed . . . the positives . . . the negatives . . . and everything in between. By the time we’re done, Lodge 40, El Campo-Hillje will be on its way to moving forward with clearly defined missions and goals.
Our lodge occupies a historic place within our community. It is our sincere desire to continue to bring people together and make a positive difference in our community.
Please confirm your attendance by sending an email to amvahalik@gmail.com or by calling/texting Annie 361-649-4888 or Cathy 979-332-1614. We look forward to your reply and seeing you on Sunday, March 14 at 1 p.m.! Fraternally, Cathy Garcia, President Lodge 40, El Campo-Hillje Annie Vahalik District Six Director —SPJST—
Lodge 47, Seaton reschedules fashion bingo to March 7
Lodge 47, Seaton Star Hall’s Ladies’ Fashion Bingo has been postponed two weeks due to weather-related issues. The new date is Sunday, March 7 at 2 p.m. Doors open at 1:15 p.m. Ten games will be played with some lovely purses and jewelry as prizes.
Tickets for the 10 games, snacks, beverage, and a bingo dauber are available for $40 in advance or $50 at the door. A reserved table for six ($240) or eight ($320) can be made in advance. You are welcome to bring in your own snacks or drinks. CDC guidelines will be followed during the event to keep everyone safe and healthy.
To purchase tickets, call Ginger Ringwald 254-931-6619, Emily Ordogne 979- 716-8332, Patsy Koslovsky 254718-1606, or Judy Pechal 254-770-8638. Fraternally, Ginger Ringwald, FAC —SPJST—
Lodge 54, West presents scenes from November 2020 Meeting
Lodge 54, West met Friday, November 6, 2020, at St. Joseph Hall. TOP LEFT PHOTO: Birthday celebrants were recognized. They are, left to right, Marcela Vaculik, Aiden Howard, Janice Kaluza, and Beulah Zahirniak. TOP CENTER PHOTO: Linda and Ronnie Kaluza. TOP RIGHT PHOTO: Aiden Howard, left, and Mary Lou Mynar. BELOW LEFT PHOTO: Marcela and Jan Vaculik. BELOW CENTER PHOTO: Freddie and Janice Kaluza. BELOW RIGHT PHOTO: Pee Wee and Beulah Zahirniak.
Lodge 48, Beyersville: rebuilt and now open for event bookings
Dear Members and Readers,
The rebuilt SPJST Lodge 48, Beyersville has reopened for event bookings after a fire destroyed the previous building on July 16, 2019.
The lodge is accepting bookings for weddings, sweet 16s, showers, business meetings, reunions, graduation parties, and most other events upon approval of hall management. The capacity at this time is 300 but will be dependent on the Covid-19 regulations in place at the time of the event. Since Covid-19 has had an impact on all of us, we have developed special pricing for the year 2021.
Please contact Bonnie Urbanek at 512-739-9324 or send an email to spjst48@gmail.com to discuss pricing and availability.
This has been a long journey to actually see our vision of a new facility come to realization. You will see a modern look while incorporating many of the usable items from the destroyed building within the decor. There are still some final touches to the premises that are being addressed. We would appreciate any donations towards this endeavor, and anyone interested can contact Bonnie Urbanek.
We are very thankful to the membership of Lodge 48, the community, and contractors who assisted in the rebuilding so we can now offer a community center of which we are extremely proud. Alice Bracewell, Secretary —SPJST—
Lodge 54, West shares November meeting minutes
The meeting of SPJST Lodge 54, West was held at St. Joseph Hall on Friday, November 6, 2020. The meeting was called to order at 7 p.m. by President Freddie Kaluza. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mr. Kaluza followed by a moment of silence for all our departed members especially Carol Jean McNeil, Josephine Kocian, and Mary Sulak who passed away since our last meeting, for unity in the world, and for Wilburn Willis who recently had a surgery. All officers and sales agents were present except Wilburn Willis, and we had nine of our members in attendance for the meeting.
The minutes of the last meeting were read by Janice Kaluza. Mary Lou Mynar made a motion to accept the minutes, and Linda Kaluza seconded the motion. Motion passed.
Fraternal Activities Coordinator (FAC) Linda Kaluza let the members know there would be an adult Christmas contest on November 15, 2020, to honor Veterans on Veterans Day if anyone was interested in participating in it. We had Pee Wee Zahirniak stand because he served in the Korean Conflict, and he thanked him for his service. Linda also let the members know there would be domino tournaments on January 9 and March 6 and if you needed further information about this to call SPJST Home Office for details. (Editor’s Note: The tournaments have since been postponed due to Covid-19.) Linda reminded all members that applications for scholarships are to be turned in before February 1, and if anyone is interested, we can mail them an application. The guidelines to apply for this scholarship is for high school graduates and undergraduates and you do have to be a member of SPJST to receive the award. Freddie will be sending out applications to all members who are eligible from our lodge. Marcela Vaculik made a motion to accept the FAC report, and Pee Wee Zahirniak seconded the motion. Motion passed.
The treasurer’s report was presented by Mary Lou Mynar. In May 2020, with the Covid-19 pandemic in the community, many elderly were homebound and needed meals so the City of West was delivering lunches to many of these homes. Our officers voted and decided to donate $1,000 to help with these meals. Lodge 54, West member Marcela Vaculik helped in delivering many meals to the elderly, and it was so appreciated by the many people who couldn’t go out. Ronnie Kaluza made a motion to accept the treasurer’s report, and Janice Kaluza seconded the motion. Motion passed.
Czech Reporter Jan Vaculik stated he did not have anything to report, but he wants to make sure everyone remembers to wear their mask to protect them from Covid-19.
Under old business, we have canceled our Christmas party for 2020 and plan to get everything rescheduled for 2021. Joins Hands Day, Convention and 75and 50-year pin presentations were also canceled and will be scheduled for a later date. This has been an unusual year, and we apologize for not being able to celebrate these special times with our members. We pray for all of our members to stay safe and well.
Under new business, we had two new certificates - Remi Renee Wissinger and William Alfred Kaluza with Sales Agent Janice Kaluza. We had one transfer, Benedict Firasek from Lodge 167, Penelope to Lodge 54, West. Mary Lou Mynar made a motion to accept them as new members, and Marcela Vaculik seconded the motion. Motion passed.
President Freddie Kaluza announced we have Jean Martin as a new agent for
SPJST Lodge 107, Floresville officers for 2021 are, front, Flag Bearer Colt Pruski. Second row: Fraternal Activities Coordinator Bob Bayer, Reporter Polly Bayer, Youth Leader Lian Lynn (holding daughter Tillie), Secretary Wendy Pruski, Treasurer Oscar Korus, and Assistant Youth Leader Launa Tholkes. BACK: President Trey Bielefeld, Hall Manager Roxy Bertrand, and Vice President Larry Bertrand.The officers were installed by District Seven Director Regina House, front, far right.
The 2021 SPJST Lodge 160, San Angelo officers are, left to right, President Sandra Jansa, Vice President Betty Schwartz, Secretary Charlene Dusek, Treasurer Sharon Hohmann, Fraternal Activities Coordinator Brenda Holik, and Youth Leader Ryan Jansa.
our lodge, and we welcome her as a new sales agent. Supreme Lodge Vice President Richard Hrbacek resigned, and we now welcome Delisle Doherty to the team. We wish him well with all his future endeavors for our fraternal organization.
Ronnie Kaluza and Marcela Vaculik reported that an audit was completed, and all the books for our lodge are in order.
President Freddie Kaluza talked about the SPJST Scholarship Fund and West Junior Historians. He asked if we would like to make a donation to them as part of our normal annual contribution. Janice Kaluza made a motion to contribute $100 to the scholarship fund and $200 to West Junior Historians. Beulah Zahirniak seconded the motion. Motion passed.
President Freddie Kaluza then announced that Martha Gerik outlived her certificate at the age of 96 years old, and we hope to honor her at the June meeting. Freddie called Norma at the church and booked St. Joseph Hall for our meetings in 2021 for March, June, September, and November.
Vice President Wilburn Willis was not available to hold the election of new officers so it was given to the lodge members present at the meeting. PeeWee Zahirniak made a motion to keep all officers the same by acclamation, and Ronnie Kaluza seconded the motion. Motion passed. Officers are:
President Freddie Kaluza Vice President Wilburn Willis Secretary/English Reporter Janice Kaluza Treasurer Mary Lou Mynar FAC Linda Kaluza Czech Reporter Jan Vaculik Audit Committee Ronnie Kaluza and Marcela Vaculik
Janice Kaluza made a motion to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Marcela Vaculik. Motion passed. Door prizes were awarded, and the members enjoyed food and fellowship. The prayer was led by Janice Kaluza in English and Marcela Vaculik in Czech. A cake was brought for the birthdays since the last meeting which were Janice Kaluza, Aiden Howard, Marcela Vaculik, and Beulah Zahirniak. Door prize winners were Ronnie Kaluza and Freddie Kaluza.
Lodge 40, El Campo-Hillje member grows rare 2-headed cabbage in garden
Lodge 40, El CampoHillje member Vlasta Bartos shared this photo of her grandson Colby Cerny and the rare two-headed cabbage that was recently grown in Colby’s garden. Colby is 19 years old, and he is also a member of Lodge 40. Next Meeting—March 5
The next meeting will be at 7 p.m. on Friday, March 5, 2021, at St. Joseph Hall.
Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him. —1 John 4:16
Fraternally, Janice Kaluza, Reporter —SPJST—
Lodge 79 Corpus Christi meets March 21
Lodge 79, Corpus Christi will meet on Sunday, March 21, 2021. Meal will consist of chopped steak and sides. Members are asked to bring a salad or dessert of their choice. Meal will be served at 1 p.m., and the meeting will commence at 2 p.m. Fraternally, Virginia Rebecek, Secretary —SPJST—
Lodge 84, Dallas reports on February meeting
Dear Readers,
The monthly meeting of Lodge 84, Dallas was brought to order on Sunday, February 21, 2021, at 2:45 p.m. by Vice President Vicki Sims. Flag Bearer Lynda Novak led all members present in the Pledge of Allegiance. A moment of silence was held afterwards for Sister Tara Andreason Cloutman, daughter of Lodge 84 President Justine Andreason Yeager, and for Sister Betty Landsfeld, sister of Brother Bob Liska and aunt of treasurer Jim Liska. We also observed a moment of silence for departed SPJST members, troops serving our country, those affected by the Covid-19 pandemic, and those affected by the bad weather from the previous week.
Secretary Cherri Petr read the minutes from the January meeting which were approved by all members present. Additionally, she read correspondence received from the Home Office and a thank you letter from Restored Hope. Secretary Cherri then reported on members who will be receiving their 50- and 75year membership pins.
Youth Leader Lynda Novak gave her report. The youth continue to meet virtually each month. Lynda reported that the youth are gathering items for the scrapbook, work on their Vestnik projects and their entries for District Three Youth Achievement Day to be held virtually.
Sister Lynda then reported on Czech Culture Society and Fraternal Council.
The sunshine committee reported that a get well card was sent to Sister Tara Andreason Cloutman and, later, a sympathy card was sent to the family of Sister Tara Andreason Cloutman. May Tara rest in peace.
Fraternal Activities Coordinator Vicki Sims reported that she had no news to report. Brother Jim Liska then gave the treasurer’s report. It was mentioned that our former lodge building was being dismantled which then led to a discussion on the memories that were made when we called it “home.”
Next Meeting—March 21
Vice President Vicki Sims thanked everyone for attending the meeting, and she reminded everyone that the next meeting will be Sunday, March 21 at 2:30 p.m. at the home of Charles and Kathy Nemec, 10707 Webster Terrace Dallas, Texas. Call 214-351-4214 for directions.The meeting was then adjourned, and everyone enjoyed the afternoon svačina! Fraternally, Anne Scott Cowan, Reporter —SPJST—
Lodge 88, Houston scholarship application now available
Lodge 88, Houston announces that its scholarship application is now available on the lodge website. If you will be a 2021 graduating senior, please visit www.lodge88.org to submit your application by March 31, 2021. Fraternally, Carol Havemann —SPJST—
Lodge 88, Houston meets March 8
Dear Members,
Due to the weather conditions, the February 15 meeting was canceled. The next meeting will be Monday, March 8, 2021, at 7 p.m. to avoid conflicts with spring break as we have in previous years.
Aaron Rigamonti President —SPJST—
Lodge 151, Wharton meets March 8
SPJST Lodge 151, Wharton will hold its quarterly meeting on Monday, March 8, 2021, at the Wharton Depot Museum, located at 100 Sunset Street in Wharton.
A light meal will be served at 6:30 p.m. Please RSVP by Thursday, March 4 to Carolyn Bucek at 979-532-1910 if you plan to attend.
Members with birthdays in January, February, and March will be honored.
We hope you can attend. Fraternally, Janie Bucek Secretary/FAC —SPJST—
Lodge 191, Lufkin reports on January meeting
The Monday, January 25, 2021, meeting of Lodge 191, Lufkin was held with nine members present. Guest was State Fraternal Director Frank Horak who shared lots of information with the members.
Lodge officers were approved for the year, and an audit committee was appointed. We decided to meet quarterly. We will inform members when we can return to hosting our regular dances.
If you have not paid your membership dues, please do so now. You also may want to add a little extra to support and to keep our lodge so we can be ready to dance when we get the okay to do so.
For lodge information, please contact George Scogin at 936-875-2867. Fraternally, Alma Breazeale —SPJST—
Lodge 191, Lufkin to meet quarterly
Dear Members,
Lodge 191, Lufkin is located at 197 Hughes Road in Lufkin, Texas. For lodge information, call George Scogin at 936875-2867. Due to Covid-19, meetings are now held quarterly with the next one being in April. We will let you know the date. Also due to Covid-19, we are not hosting dances at this time. We will let you know when we can start dancing again.
Fraternally, Alma Breazeale —SPJST—
Lodge 196 Houston-West cancels Easter egg hunt
Lodge 196, Houston-West met on Sunday, February 7, 2021, for its monthly meeting. It is with a sad heart that we made the decision to cancel the Easter egg hunt that was scheduled for March 27. We felt that with all of the health issues that are still in play, we should stay on the safe side and not have our annual event. We will be looking at hosting other events as the year progresses so keep checking the Vestnik for information on future events. Fraternally, Don Fruin Event Coordinator —SPJST—
But Mom Said . . .
by d.knape Whenever I would tell my children something relative to their obedience or learning they would always say But Mom Said . . .
It was their response to things they found contradictory between what I said and what they had previously heard it could be the slightest thing where I thought I might offer some insight or wisdom some guidance to behavior but always mom had gotten there first and given the opposite advice
But Mom Said . . . became their fallback position nullifying anything I offered and so I became irrelevant like most fathers simply an object of curiosity something to be seen in passing but then ignored like an off-hand remark not to be taken seriously
what was really important was What Mom Said I still offer my insight but now the kids themselves know better they are now smarter than me
I have to give them credit they learned well and somehow survived all my good advice. —SPJST—
Smaller Circles
by d.knape
Now in the shrinking of our world our circles grow smaller and smaller we cannot go out we cannot meet no work no school no social events we are saddled with masks and bans and restrictions what was a wide circle circles back becomes smaller ever smaller until . . . there is no one left to hug. —SPJST—
Apple
by d.knape
A poem is like an apple its small compact and is healthy for your mind and spirit a poem snaps when you bite into it you can roll it around on your tongue chew on it lovingly it leaves a pleasant aftertaste. —SPJST—
Lodge 157, Lubbock member wins Grand Champion award in San Angelo Ag Mechanics Contest
Congratulations to Elizabeth Kristinek of Lodge 157, Lubbock for winning first place in class and Grand Champion in her division at the San Angelo Ag Mechanics Contest held Thursday and Friday, February 4 and 5, 2021. The team of two girls from Farwell FFA built a 10-foot by eight-foot rotisserie smoker. The smoker has six eight-foot rotisserie trays. In addition to the ribbon and banner, the team received several thousand dollars worth of mechanical tools.
Elizabeth has won a blue ribbon for every entry she has made for entry at the ag mechanics shows. In 2020, she won the chairman’s award at San Antonio for a fire pit that she made. Elizabeth is the daughter of Jason and Trisha Kristinek and granddaughter of Jerome and Cyndy Kristinek, all of Lodge 157, Lubbock.
Life is a Gift
by Brent Hegwood Lodge 88, Houston
My name is Brent Hegwood. I’m a member of Lodge 88, Houston and the son of Vincent and Kim Hegwood, and the grandson of the late King B. and Helen Hegwood. I am a graduate of Texas A&M University Class of 2018. When I was three years old, I was diagnosed with autism. Since then, I’ve overcome a lot of struggles and learned a few things along the way.
Throughout my life, there were two constants that have aided me in my journey: God and family. The Lord laid the path before me to travel, and my parents walked beside me, catching me whenever I stumbled. I’m eternally grateful to both of them.
At first, I didn’t think that my story would be all that interesting to people. I always considered myself pretty average, so I figured other people would find me as boring as I found me. But my mother shared my story with others on social media and in person. I discovered that I could touch the lives of so many with just my story. What would happen if I purposefully focused my energy into such an exercise?
So I started this blog. I hope that my whimsical words will brighten your day and enlighten your mind. At the very least, I want my words to show you a different perspective, one you may not have thought of but will be familiar to those who struggle with autism or who have a family member who struggles with autism.
Just last Tuesday, I had my twenty-fifth birthday, and next Tuesday is my mother’s birthday (I’m not telling you her age, though). Realizing that I’m now a quartercentury old has given me cause to reflect on my life. I’ve written before about the importance of gratitude –the importance of thanking God for all the wonderful things in your life. I’ve also written about the specific things I’ve been grateful for, like my mother, my father, my little brother, my dear departed Nanny, my other set of grandparents, my dog, my country and the troops who serve it, and even God Himself.
But of all these things, being alive is the best thing to be grateful for. Without life, you cannot experience any other good thing. How can you enjoy good food if you aren’t alive? How can you speak with friends if you aren’t alive? How can you read books without being alive? How can you have a good life if you don’t have a life? That’s why, of all the things you should feel grateful for, the fact that you’re alive should be top among them.
I do not deny that there are people whose lives are unfortunate and full of hardship. But even in such a life, there can be redeeming elements – no person’s life, no matter how hard, is deprived of goodness. One can find the simple pleasures of a good meal or music while impoverished. One can find the chance for camaraderie and glory in the bleakest of battlefields. And no matter what your life circumstances are, God is watching, and He will reward you for your virtue in the afterlife.
I could focus on the bad part of my life – I do despair sometimes that I don’t have as steady employment as I’d like. I dislike not being able to live up to the standards I set for myself, both in this blog and elsewhere. I could focus on how I have autism and am thus unable to understand others as well as I might have otherwise. I could despair at all the poor choices I set out for myself. I could also attack the society around me for its numerous flaws and tendencies. But those things are pittance next to the overwhelmingly positive things in my life. If I were to moan and groan about my lot in life, what kind of person would that make me?
It’s thoughts like this that make me grateful for having been born. Despite its flaws, I do enjoy my life –perhaps too much! Even if I’m no Pollyanna, I try my best to embody the ideal of joie de vivre. Part of growing up means being able to take the good and the bad while remaining fundamentally joyful and appreciative of others. Someone who occupies his time concocting ever more recherché reasons for badmouthing his society and forebears is not mature. Cynicism is the hallmark of the narcissistic adolescent, not the world-weary adult.
One common form of cynicism is antinatalism, the belief that procreation is immoral because of the unavoidable suffering one must endure in life. “Human existence is totally pointless,” says antinatalist Raphael Samuel as he sues his parents for giving birth to him. Though he admits that he has a good life and is (apparently) close to his parents, he wants to scare parents all over the world into not having children.
When I look at such people, I can only shake my head. I can never understand why someone would be such an ungracious, spoiled brat. It’d be one thing if you were an impoverished wretch living in the third world. It’d be one thing if you were suffering from depression and were constantly being told by everything around you that your life was worthless. Such people deserve our sympathy and our prayers. But many of these antinatalists live comfortable, middle-class lives. If they are miserable, if they feel that life is so terrible, then that is their fault. These people cannot see the goodness that outweighs and redeems this world’s suffering. These people do not see the inherent value of life.
Philosophers like David Benatar argue that humans generally do not properly evaluate the squalor of their condition. People who are happy with their lives are small-minded and ignorant of the wider suffering in the world. But what justifies such arrogant pessimism? Benatar claims that since not living means not suffering, it is superior to living. But as I pointed out before, life is necessary for all the good things too. And what of the people who courageously endure things like disease, abuse, or personal tragedy? Will the antinatalist spit on this bravery as something delusional?
What does the increasing popularity of antinatalism say about our society? Well, for my money, it points to the fact that people equate a pleasurable life with a life well-lived and a painful life with a terrible one. This is the philosophy known as hedonism. But pain and pleasure must presuppose something greater than themselves. Pleasure is a biological signal that the organism fulfilled some desire, and pain is a biological signal that the organism experienced some harm. What makes pleasure good and pain bad is that they have the greater purpose of preserving the organism in question. They do not give the organism’s life meaning. Rather, life’s intrinsic goodness gives pleasure and pain meaning.
The solution is very easy: be grateful. Thank God for all the good in your life and never take it for granted. I hope that, now that I’m twenty-five, I can be a bit more mature and spread this message to others. Don’t let people steal your joy. Life’s hard enough without it. —SPJST—
